Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/131

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H. H. The Kajah op Kallikote & Atagada. 91

and respected for his unflagging energy, zeal and charity. He celebrated the marriages of many people at his own cost, and also the upanayanam (thread-wearing ceremony) of many poor Brahmin boys. He had on several occasions met the expenses of many poor people who went on pilgrimage. On the occasion of the thread-wearing cere- mony of the present Eajah, his father gave away a village as gift to his family priest.

The following letter that was addressed to him by no less a personage than Lord Napier, the then Governor of Madras, speaks for itself, about the Eajah's generosity : — Chatterpoee, Jiihj 21st, 1866. " Str, My Friend,

On my arrival in this District, I was much gratified to learn from Mr. Forbes that you had taken a most liberal part in relieving the wants of the people in yom' estate Rs well as those who repaired to your residence from the adjoining country. This conduct was most worthy of a person of your high position and descent and inspires the Government with a particular esteem for your character. It is a matter of regret to me that your subsequent illness and the misfortunes which have occurred in your family have rendered it necessary for Government to suspend the measures of relief which you had undertaken. I trust that this period has now passed,* and that you will feel yourself justified in co-operating with Government in providing means for the support of the people. Should this be the case it will give me great pleasure to assist you in any way which you may point out to the Collector of the District. If the stores of rice in your possession are exhausted by the numberj of